I would not normally expect to read a book review on a blog that aims to talk to people about styling and makeup, however 'The Woman I Wanted To Be' by Diane von Furstenberg is simply a story every female should read. Not just for those interested in the fashion and beauty industry, for whom it is highly relevant, but also anyone interested in being the best woman she can be! This memoir, which takes on an unusual format, covers everything from her family history, stories of her great loves, her conquering of the fashion industry with the iconic wrap dress, to her recent comeback.
This book is unique because DVF disregards a chronological timescale, opting instead to recount her incredible life using the different mantras she has learned along the way. Diane emphasises the importance of being an independent woman, one for whom 'fear is not an option', something she learned from her mother, an Auschwitz survivor, from an early age. She uses her story to illustrate how a successful woman is one that takes responsibility for themselves and their own happiness, choosing to seek out the light in periods of darkness. She also understands the importance of love, stating 'love is life is love is life...', recognising how vital it is for women to love and be loved. Her opinions regarding beauty are also refreshing, she understands the importance of skin deep beauty in the fashion industry, but also offers her own take: that 'truth is beauty' and 'health is beauty', encouraging every women to love their individual flaws.
Whilst reading the book, I found it both personally inspiring and educating. For example, Diane was bought up in Belgium, where my own great grandparents fled from during the second World War. I also found I could relate to the way she explains her close bond to her father, of whom she says: 'How lucky I was that this first man in my life loved me uncritically, unguardedly, without judging. I did not have to work for his love... his approval required no effort'. I admire the way in which she endorses female empowerment, not in a uptight feminist manner, but instead encouraging all women to be true to their own identity. She is involved in many philanthropic projects regarding protecting women around the world. DVF is extremely passionate, driven, hardworking and talented- everything required of a successful fashion designer, however she is also elegant, querky, maternal, free spirited and a survivor, a side to her that can be seen in her memoir. She knew the woman she wanted to be from an early age, and reading this book will probably influence the type of woman you want to be too!
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